A Lantern in Glass

I eased the fragile Chinese lantern pod into the hollow of a heavy glass salt cellar on the low bookshelf. Its delicate netted ribs rested snugly against the cool, faceted crystal without a single fiber snapping. Sitting back on my heels, I gave the cellar a slow turn until the pod stood perfectly centered. When the soft amber glow of the table lamp passed through the cut glass, the scarlet berry inside seemed to hold its own quiet warmth, safe from any passing draft. I rested my palms on the oak boards, completely content with how peacefully it caught the light.